LATEST NEWS:Jack Clarke’s latest departure from Sunderland is expected, and a deal with Leeds United is close.

The Black Cats, led by sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, have not yet finalized an incoming agreement; nonetheless, it is believed that the team is nearing a breakthrough. The January transfer window shuts on Thursday at 11 p.m.

Apart from prospective arrivals, Sunderland is the subject of multiple departure transfer rumors, with multiple agreements reportedly under consideration at the moment. However, here is a summary of all the major stories that you should be aware of for Tuesday, January 30:

After their first attempt at signing Sunderland’s Jack Clarke was rejected, Italian team Lazio has made another attempt. Last week, Serie A team Lazio made a move to acquire Clarke, but Sunderland rejected them. Le Aquile has, nevertheless, made a second, better offer. It’s also known that while Clarke is content where he is at Wearside, he does have plans to play at a higher level soon. (Echo from Sunderland)

Alex Pritchard, an attacking midfielder for Sunderland who will be paired with former Black Cats manager Tony Mowbray, is on the verge of signing a contract with Birmingham City. According to reports, for the trade to go, the two clubs must agree on a small payment, which is said to be in the region of £100,000 or so. (Nation of Sutherland)

Mason Cotcher, a 17-year-old striker who left Sunderland during the summer, has been offered a trial by Manchester United. The England youth international has been playing for the Red Devils for the past week. Last Saturday morning, they defeated Leeds United 4-0 and he came on as a replacement for the under-18 team. (Echo from Sunderland)

In addition, Lazio has made an offer to Championship team Plymouth Argyle for their gifted forward Morgan Whittaker. This shows that, despite Lazio’s repeated attempts to sign Clarke, a deal is not yet close. (Romano Fabricio)

Attacker Jewison Bennette of Sunderland is expected to sign with Greek team Aris. According to reports from Greece, Bennette’s loan agreement with Aris does not include a buy option, even though the Greek team is willing to offer options for up to €3 million (£2.5 million). In addition, Bennette and Sunderland turned down bids from Hibs, Cadiz, and Stoke City in the January transfer window. (A range of sources)

Sunderland have agreed a fee with Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde with Kristjaan Speakman closing in on a permanent move. The deal to bring the player to Wearside was initially thought to be a loan move but it has now been revealed that Sunderland will pay a £1million to £1.5million fee to Leeds United for a permanent deal, and that Hjelde will sign a four-and-a-half-year deal his new club. 15 per cent of his next transfer fee is rumoured to be owed to Celtic. (Various)

In the Premier League 2 match, Sunderland defeated Leeds United under-21s 3-1 thanks to two goals from striker Nazairy Rusyn. Ben Crompton was forced off the field after just 20 minutes due to an injury. Last Sunday in the Championship, Michael Beale started the former Shrewsbury and Wolves player Crompton on the bench against Stoke City, but he did not play as the Black Cats defeated us 3-1. (Echo from Sunderland)